Arboricultural Impact Assessment Reports across Southern Highlands, Sydney and NSW

If you’re planning a build and there are trees on or near the site, an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) will likely be required with your Development Application. An arboricultural impact assessment sets out how the proposal affects each relevant tree and what must be done to protect trees that will remain. Our AQF Level 5 consulting arborists prepare clear, DA-ready reports used by councils across Greater Sydney and NSW.

What an Arboricultural Impact Assessment Report Covers

An arboricultural impact assessment explains the likely impacts of building works, services, driveways, stormwater and landscape construction on trees within and adjacent to the site. It identifies trees that can remain and trees that may need removal, then sets out practical protection and construction methods so retained trees stay healthy long-term.

  • Unique ID and botanical name
  • Dimensions (height, canopy spread, DBH) and age class
  • Health and structure summary, useful life expectancy and retention priority
  • AS 4970 Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) and Structural Root Zone (SRZ) calculations
  • Encroachment assessment (no, minor or major) and recommended responses

To support the text, you’ll receive scaled plans that show tree locations, TPZ/SRZ extents, colour-coded encroachments, fencing lines, ground protection and any site-specific details needed for construction and site management.

How an Arboricultural Impact Assessment Differs from a Tree Report

Clients often ask whether they need a standard tree report or an arboricultural impact assessment. The difference is straightforward:

Tree Report: A baseline assessment that records the species, size, health and condition of trees on or near the site. Councils use it at the early planning stage to understand what trees are present and whether they may be retained or removed.

Arboricultural Impact Assessment: Builds on that information by examining how the actual development footprint interacts with those trees. It calculates TPZ and SRZ encroachments, measures impact levels, and prescribes construction methods that allow safe retention where possible. Councils require an Arboricultural Impact Assessment with Development Applications where works may directly affect trees.

In short: a tree report describes the trees; an arboricultural impact assessment explains how the proposed works will affect them and what must be done to manage impacts.

Tree Report vs Arboricultural Impact Assessment

Aspect Tree Report Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)
Purpose Baseline survey of existing trees on or near the site Evaluates how the proposed development will impact those trees
Content Species, size, health, structure, age class, retention value Adds TPZ/SRZ calculations, encroachment analysis, and tree-sensitive construction methods
Stage Used Early planning or pre-lodgement Required at DA lodgement when works may affect trees
Outcome Identifies what trees are present and gives broad recommendations Sets out which trees can be retained or removed and how retained trees will be protected
Council Requirement May be requested at planning stage Usually required if development encroaches on TPZ/SRZ

When you need an Arboricultural Impact Assessment

You will usually need an arboricultural impact Assessment if:

  • Trees appear on your survey or nearby road reserve
  • The proposal sits inside or close to TPZ/SRZ areas
  • Council requests an AIA during pre-lodgement or after DA submission

Typical projects include new dwellings and alterations, dual occupancies, townhouses, subdivisions, strata works, commercial builds, schools, health and community facilities and council or utility projects.

Why engage the arborist early

Bringing an AQF Level 5 arborist into the design stage helps avoid redesigns and DA delays. We flag workable building lines, footing options near roots, driveway alignments, service routes and landscape details that sit comfortably with AS 4970 Protection of Trees on Development Sites. Early input usually saves time and money later.

Standards and council expectations

Our AIAs follow AS 4970–2009 and reflect local Tree Preservation Orders, Development Control Plans and consent conditions used by Sydney councils. We present tree data and drawings in a format planners understand, with encroachments classified and mitigation steps set out plainly.

What We Include

  • Site inspection and tree schedule recorded by an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist
  • AS 4970 calculations for TPZ and SRZ with encroachment analysis
  • Construction responses near retained trees, such as low-impact footings, pier and beam options, bridging slabs, service boring, hand excavation, root pruning protocols, mulch/ground protection and fencing
  • Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan suitable for tender and site induction
  • Scaled CAD/ArcGIS plans showing tree IDs, TPZ/SRZ, colour-coded impacts, fencing, exclusion zones and ground protection
  • Clear recommendations for removal and retention, including replacement planting where required
  • Project Arborist role during works: pre-start briefing, critical stage inspections, non-conformance actions and final sign-off letter if requested by council

Optional services: preliminary tree assessment before design, root investigation, arborist attendance during exploratory digs, and post-construction certification.

What We Need From You

  • Registered survey in DWG or DXF with spot levels
  • Current architectural plans, sections and proposed levels
  • Stormwater, services and driveway drawings
  • Landscape plans if available
  • Any council correspondence and existing arborist reports

Our Process

  1. Quote and booking based on your plans and survey
  2. Desktop review against AS 4970 and council controls
  3. Site inspection and tree data capture
  4. Draft findings shared with your designer to resolve any simple clashes early
  5. Final AIA and plans prepared for DA or post-DA conditions
  6. During construction we provide the Project Arborist inspections and reports required by consent

Typical turnaround is prompt once plans are final. Priority options are available on request.

Service Area

We prepare arboricultural impact assessment reports across the Southern Highlands, Sydney and New South Wales, including metro councils and surrounding regions. For tree reports tied to construction elsewhere in NSW, we can assist remotely and travel as needed.

Why Canopy Tree

  • AQF Level 5 consulting arborists with local council experience
  • Clear drawings and plain-English recommendations planners can assess quickly
  • Practical advice that balances design goals, tree health and compliance
  • Capacity to support you through DA, conditions of consent and construction

Related services

  • Tree Reports and Preliminary Tree Assessments for planning
  • Tree Protection Plans and construction monitoring
  • Tree Risk Assessments for existing sites and public areas

Get a Quote

Send your survey and current plans and we’ll confirm scope and pricing. If you prefer to talk first, call our office and we’ll walk you through what’s needed for your DA.

Booking Form For Arboricultural Impact Assessment Reports




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    FAQ’s

    Q1: What is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment?
    A1: It’s a report by an AQF Level 5 arborist that evaluates how a proposed development will affect trees on and near the site. It includes AS 4970 calculations, encroachment analysis and a plan for protecting retained trees.

    Q2: Who can write an AIA for council?
    A2: Most councils ask for an AQF Level 5 arborist with relevant experience. We meet that requirement and work to AS 4970 and local controls.

    Q3: When should I commission the AIA?
    A3: After plans are far enough along to measure impacts accurately, but early enough to adjust design if needed. Many clients engage us at concept or DA stage.

    Q4: What drawings will I receive?
    A4: Scaled plans that show tree locations, TPZ/SRZ areas, colour-coded encroachments, fencing and ground protection, plus any site-specific construction notes.

    Q5: Can you help during construction?
    A5: Yes. We act as Project Arborist, attend critical stages, record observations, advise on root management and provide completion sign-off if required.

    Q6: What if my DA is already lodged and council has asked for an AIA?
    A6: Send us the request letter and current plans. We’ll review, book the site visit and prepare the report and drawings to address council’s items.

    Q7: Do you cover heritage or significant trees?
    A7: We assess heritage and high-value trees with the same AS 4970 framework and add any extra measures council or the heritage consultant requests.